So for the last 3 years, I have been involved in what Andy called a ‘social experiement’ with WPP throughout Asia.
I must admit when we were first approached with this challenge/opportunity, we weren’t very interested at all, however once we met the guy running the region – Chris Jaques – his intelligence, brilliance, honesty and enthusiasm won us over so we decided to give it a go … or should I say it was decided I would give it a go, ha!
Anyway, whilst there’s been more than the odd moment of ridiculousness [not to mention a rather large dollop of the ‘frustrating’] overall it’s been a brilliant and pretty successful experience [for all parties involved] so I am very, very happy that I/we did it.
Now you might realise I’m using the past tense here – and there’s a reason for that – because despite meeting and working with some amazing people in some amazing countries … not to mention accomplishing / producing a few things I am genuinely proud of … we’ve decided to bring this little relationship to an end.
Yep we’re divorcing but unlike most relationships, it’s amicable. Well, at least for now, ha!
I won’t go into the reasons for our decision except to say certain choices were made that I felt weren’t conducive to what I wanted us to do or what we were originally asked to achieve – plus we were approached with an opportunity that quite frankly was too exciting to even contemplate turning down – so in a few weeks time, and with a fair degree of sadness, we’re finishing up our adventure and heading off to pastures new – some based in Asia, some based in the US.
Sadly I can’t say anything specific because there’s still a few things being ironed out, however what I can say is that it involves at least 2 new cynic joint ventures … one of which has the very real potential to help make the World a better place … so it’s very exciting for me both personally and professionally.
With this in mind – and under no illusion anyone will give a shit – in a few weeks time I’m going to be putting this blog on hiatus for a couple of months
Don’t cry Dodds … I know you’re upset … but I’ll be back and there’s always email. [Except yours always go straight into my spam folder!]
Now I know some of you think I’m addicted to this thing so I won’t be able to help myself – and I include my wife in that statement – but this is a very important and exciting time for us so apart from the fact I’ll be spending an inordinate amount of time ‘commuting’ between Singapore and San Francisco, I really need to concentrate on what the hell I’m doing because if I stuff it up, the boys have already told me they’ll beat the living crap out of me without so much as a blink of an eye.
Anyway that’s it, very happy, very excited and very nervous but thought I’d let you know …
PS: Don’t worry Lauren, when I’m back I’ll be based somewhere on this side of the planet so you’ll still be able to read my blogposts in an Aussie-friendly timezone.
That is if you haven’t come to your senses and completely forgotten me by then 🙂